We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Treatments

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Can I Minimize Cold Sore Scars?

By Patrick Lynch
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 52,818
Share

Cold sores are a result of a herpes virus that is currently incurable. Cold sore scars are occasionally left behind, and even though they are not always noticeable, those who suffer from them look for various methods of removal. Vitamin E oil is one effective way of removing these scars. Bleaching creams are also useful. Commercial skin products have gained popularity and promise gradual results while surgery is a more immediate, albeit expensive, removal method. Some medical professionals claim the scars will simply disappear over time without surgery, however.

These blisters normally form around the mouth and nose. The herpes virus is responsible for the cold sores and for the time being cannot be cured. Fortunately, the blisters eventually heal but they do leave scars behind.

Cold sore scars can be removed by vitamin E oil. Apply this oil on the scars every day to gradually remove them. Vitamin E oil is particularly useful because the majority of scars from cold sores are small and can be concealed with the appropriate product.

Bleaching creams are another effective means of getting rid of scars caused by cold sores. This form of cream eventually evens out the skin tone which causes the scars' color to become lighter. These creams contain a bleaching ingredient known as hydroquinone. Other useful bleaching ingredients include kojic and glycolic acid.

There is also a popular skin product available online called Mederma. Use this on the scar twice a day with results expected to appear within a couple of months. This apparent effectiveness of this product is backed up by hundreds of testimonials.

A more dramatic option for removing cold sore scars involves a chemical peel. A qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon performs this medical procedure. It involves burning off the top layer of skin with acid. This results in blisters which should clear up within a few days.

The skin in the human body goes through a renewal process after it has been damaged. After a chemical peel, new skin grows over the area where the scar was. This can be an expensive procedure, particularly because several operations may be needed. Lactic and glycolic acid are contained in the chemical peel.

A number of medical professionals have spoken out against invasive treatment for cold sore scars. They believe that most scars eventually fade by themselves. These physicians contend that patience will see the scar disappear, thereby rendering expensive surgery unnecessary.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Jan 01, 2013

Topical products for stretch marks work for scars from cold sores too. I'm using one right now with vitamin E, vitamin A and calendula and chamomile oil. It's really good, the scar is fading.

By fify — On Dec 31, 2012

@burcidi-- Keeping the lips moisturized with a lip balm that has natural oils in it helps a lot with scarring.

I try to use lip balms with vitamin E oil, coconut oil, olive, almond or emu oil in it when I get a cold sore. These oils nourish the skin and help with new skin regeneration. I get cold sores on my lips occasionally and I don't have any scars because I use these lip balms religiously.

If the scar is really bad, you can also ask your doctor for a scar cream. There are special creams that doctors will prescribe to patients after surgery for scars. I don't know if they're safe to use on the lips, so you can check about that but I'm sure they would help with cold sore scarring.

By burcidi — On Dec 30, 2012

I got a cold sore for the first time in my life last week. It was one of the worst experiences ever. It is much better now, it has passed the ulceration and scabbing stage but it looks like it's going to leave behind a scar.

Bleaching or chemical peel is out of the question because the cold sore was on my lip. I think I will try vitamin E oil. Is there any other cold sore scar treatment I can use that is also safe to use on the lips?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/how-can-i-minimize-cold-sore-scars.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.